The company was in a sorry state and it quickly became clear to the Kai lord that healing the fellows would take quite while. It was hard to find who needed help the most. Erleothir with his now dented armour, limping and showing bruises all over the less protected body parts? Griselda, still bleeding abundantly from the various deep cuts inflicted on her during the battles and one arm hanging almost motionless ? Alast playing down his injuries despite a serious need of first aid ? or Gustavius shaking from exhaustion and having slight traces of burn on his hands and on his face ?
The Kai Lord's companions had continued their way westwards. Courageous Blade, so was the name of their saviour, informed them that their meeting was by far not as fortuitous as it seemed. He and his team were sent to search for Dark Raven, the masters had had a premonition and a felling of loss concerning his person.
And that's when Mulchanor started talking.
- What's he saying ? asked Alast to Gutavius
- I have no idea...
- you mean it's not drodarin ? wondered Erleothir
- not even drunk drodarin.
- is there any other way to speak it ?
- hmm your friend seems to be speaking in fever. Said Courageous Blade finally.
Griselda kneeled over Mulchanor's fever shaken body and rapidly found the bite wound of a snake. Poisonous, obviously. All turned to the Kai asking him what could be done to help him; gathering herbs, laumspur, whatever... Courageous Blade shook his head slowly. "There is no possibility for me to get a cure. The only way would be using the blood of Griselda since it holds a resistance to natural poisons." All turned to her. Would she help Mulchanor immediately or would the grudge against him still be too strong ? After a short moment of silence she nodded, probably innerly ranting that she could not have Mulchanor begging her for help. The Kai lord stopped her mid-movement as she was about to cut herself in the palm. "There is no need to open further wounds" he said, while drawing some blood out of her injured leg. She rolled her eyes in a typically annoyed fashion but said nothing. He proceeded to pour the blood into Mulchanor's mouth. Even if Mulchanor did not wake up, it was obvious that this improvised cure was working. His fever sank and his hallucinated speeches stopped.
Luckily for all of them the night passed without further incidents. Under the guidance of Courageous Blade, they finally reached the mountains. A steep road upwards was now their path and soon they had to line up along a narrow trail on the edge of a precipice. The road was difficult but luckily they were not being followed. It seemed that the Kai Lords had continued westwards and were protecting their back. even from dozens of miles away.
The night passed, Courageous Blade pushed back Griselda's attempt at discussing what seemed to be some personal matter. Either he did not want to speak with her or he simply had no clue what she was asking him about. In the background, Erleothir and Gustavius stared at each other, suddenly remembering that they also needed to discuss some urgent matters regarding the keys.
The second day was soon over, the road now easier and the pass not too far away. When looking back in the deserted plains to the West, the companions saw some clouds of dust far away. "No need to worry too much" said Courageous Blade "They are heading for us but still one or two days away. If we march on, everything will be fine." As most were asleep that night, Erleothir and Gustavius shared the first watch. "Gustavius ! we have much to discuss since the imprisonment. Could you maybe enlighten me about one or two details concerning the keys?" those were the last words spoken by a tired Erleothir that Alast could hear before falling asleep.
All woke up early the next day, not much was said. Even if it was the third day travelling towards the monastery under unfailable guidance, the dangers were far from being over. Their rations were all gone. The horses were triping on almost every stone. And the dust cloud to the west was still visible, nearer than the day before. They had now reached the pass and the cold air woke Mulchanor.
- Beer ! was his first word
- not now. sighed Erleothir
- what happened ?
- short version: you got bitten by a snake, went unconscious for the last 3 days and Griselda saved your li...
- where's my gun ? Interrupted the dwarf
- Oh you should have seen it ! it blew up in Gustavius' fa.... started Alast laughing
- gone. quickly interrupted Gustavius
- and my backpack ?
- gone
- and the powder ?
- gone
- and what about my belt with the fire pots ?
- gone
- my munitions ?
- gone
- wait, don't tell me that..
- IT'S ALL GONE ! and after a pause he added: "also you are missing two teeth".
Luckily, before Gustavius had to explain the unlucky loss of Mulchanor's equipment and before the situation escalated, another Kai lord appeared from under the cover of some trees a few hundred meters to the east, he was accompanied by fresh horses. The road was narrow and Courageous Blade made sign to the company that it was time to switch horses. One by one they saddled down and walked along the edge towards the trees. The new kai lord continued westwards taking their old mounts away. Only Erleothir seemed not willing to leave his horse, thus leading to some confusion.
- what's he doing ?
- if I did not know better, I'd say he's trying to annoy Courageous Blade.
and exactly at that moment the Kai Lord started to gesture rudely (according to Kai lord standards ) towards Erleothir.
- see, it works....
The rest of day went without much to tell. Around the evening, they decided to put up a small camp. They were too tired to build up tents and simply unrolled some bedrolls. Their stomachs were rumbling and Griselda decided to see if she could hunt anything edible. She was followed by Gustavius. A hissing discussion arose in the bushes as Griselda tried to make it clear to the loud dwarf that he should go hunt elsewhere. Not even half an hour had passed when Courageous Blade suddenly jumped to his feet.
"Ambush!" he yelled. But before he could do anything half a dozen of bandits had already encircled the camp and were going for Erleothir. Griselda and Gustavius also heard the scream and rushed back to the camp. Luckily for Erleothir, he was so tired when he went to sleep that he was still wearing most of his armor. Even though fighting out of a sleeping bag wasn't anything he had ever done before, he managed to block the oncoming blows by quickly grabbing his shield. Alast was well awake and was already jumping on one of the bandits while Courageous blade struggled to get two opponents off him. Gustavius and Griselda were now almost there.
One coming from the south, the other from the east. Gustavius kneeled down, aimed and shot. The bullet missed its target by a few inches and ended in a tree. Griselda was luckier, or so it seemed, using her bow, she fired an arrow: it hit the bandit in the chest and a cry of surprise was heard. The bandit looked down at the arrow in his chest with slight unease but a smug grin crossed his face as he broke the arrow apart. It had indeed struck his armour, but not perforated it.
With a quick shield bash followed by a straight strike, Erleothir managed to get rid of one of the attackers. In the background, Courageous blade produced a handgun out of his tunic and quickly unloaded it at point blank in the face of another bandit. Alast's opponent jumped at him, but he evaded, completely unimpressed. The bandit hit the ground and rolled back into a standing position, right in time to notice his sword stuck in the ground. With a grin, Alast pulled it out and stroke the bandit down. As Griselda ran towards the camp, she saw that Courageous blade and Erleothir had managed to dispatch two more bandits in a flawless manoeuver. The remaining bandit looked at his dead companions before deciding to run away, unfortunately for him, not fast enough.
Courageous Blade quickly snapped: "There may be more coming, let's get away from here as fast as possible"
Fleeing from the ambush, they resumed riding and kept on the rythm, making fewer pauses now that they were closer to the Monastery. Three full days and three full nights they pressured their horses to hold till the end. They met neither foes nor friends and reached the tall wooden gates of the Monastery. Already spotted many miles ago, silently escorted by Kai Lords on their way, they entered the building under the amused eyes of Courageous Blade. Fatigue took over amazement and they were quickly sent to their quarters while the horses were taken care of. For his part, Courageous Blade left them in the sleeping quarters to rest for the night.
- I'll be asking for you tomorrow morning, be ready to meet our Leader, I am sure he'll have fresh information for you. Good night!
The company noticed with pleasure that they each had their own room. A fine and much appreciated luxury after those last weeks of privations. A good bath was more than enough to let them sleep without worries of safety. Only their own demons tortured them that night.
One by one they woke up, reinvigorated by a real night of sleep. They were summoned in the Kai Chapel before breakfast to meet up with Sharpen Fox and teamed up at the entrance of the dormitories.
Spontaneously. they gathered near the entrance, losing a time they seemed to have forgotten, admiring the stone work, tapestry and the few Kai decorating weapons on the walls. Reality came in the hand of a younger Kai lord, leading them to the center of the chapel. It was a beautiful fall morning, fresh but not cold, sunny but not too bright. Many Kais were training or hurrying to their own tasks, a few shops could be seen, but none were open yet. Local folks lived their lives slowly under the safe protection of the Kais. No one would ever dare to attack them here. Doors seems to be left open, cunningly thought Alast. Quickly reminded of his newly acquired common sense, Alast stepped past the great wooden doors to enter the solemn soil. Silence was broken by murmurs coming from the main altar. Two Kais were talking silently with heavy swift gestures. They stopped as soon as they felt attention upon them. The young Kai came near both, bowing respectfully. He left right after having introduced our heroes. Soon after, almost at the same time as Courageous Blade arrived, the other Kai, mysterious and tall, talked:
- I don't know who is happier to see you, the proud father or the Master Kai who sent you on a mission, smiled the unknown Kai.
- Probably both father, smiled back Courageous Blade. Master Sharpen Fox, those are the men Huldrak asked to recover from the enemy.
- Well, welcome in the Monastery young fellows. Seven persons I was excepting to see. Only five came. I can't feel Dark Raven any more, even if my heart tells me he is alive. And your companion, the Dessi voyager? Speak! Don't make me wait for news I suspect.
Next session
When: Nov, 22nd to 24th 2013
Where: Rameldin's Rasthaus
Who: Us as usual
****************************************************
Having barely escaped the onslaught in the palace, the company now finds itself flying together with Commander Sintar towards the shipyards. The stakes are high as the city beneath them is sinking into the chaos of a very badly planned revolution. Impulsive momentous decisions led them all there and it does not seem they're about to see the end of it.
Where: Rameldin's Rasthaus
Who: Us as usual
****************************************************
Having barely escaped the onslaught in the palace, the company now finds itself flying together with Commander Sintar towards the shipyards. The stakes are high as the city beneath them is sinking into the chaos of a very badly planned revolution. Impulsive momentous decisions led them all there and it does not seem they're about to see the end of it.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Black riders
3rd November 5000
At dawn the company rode away from the dogs, presenting an unusual sight for those who could have seen them: three horses taking five adventurers on their back. They formed a strange group led by a Telchos and closed by a dwarf riding like a man.
The sound of some insects awaking with the sun was abruptly stopped by a:
- WHOOOOOO.....
- Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
- Tsssssssssssss!
This last one was almost inaudible by the already far away companions.
Griselda sixth sense made her turn her horse around. “Gustavius, jump ! I’m going to get Mulchanor’s horse back”
Gustavius came down the horse with as much trouble he had to climb and found Mulchanor unconscious on the hard stone. He had lost his two front teeth, rewarding him with a new smile which he surely won't use when he sees his backpack lying on the desert’s ground, all its content broken, scattered and lost for future archaeologists to find. As if to make the situation worse, Gustavius found a smashed keg nearby. All the powder was lost. Not as easy to retrieve as the bullets the desert took from him. Gustavius breathed of relief when he found Mulchanor's gun miraculously intact. At least I have good news for him he thought. I'll keep it charged in case those dogs get on us. And extra shoot will be welcome.
Without time to look for neither the bullets nor the teeth, they went on riding again, fleeing possible enemies chasing them. Erleothir horse listened to his master and led them to a path it seemed to recognize. After some hours they decided they were in a safe enough place in the middle of nowhere, where the mountains could be seen closer, and they could take a nap. A night riding without stop had broken them, except Griselda who was in her element, not even presuming of her newly acquired temporary leadership. They all relied on her to find civilization again.
- Do we have food? Inquired a very talkative Griselda.
- Not so much I'm afraid... Said Erleothir.
- Is Mulchanor still in coma? Asked Gustavius
- Seems to be. Said Alast
- I'll go hunting said Griselda
- I'll go with you answered Alast.
Too happy to have a break both Knight and the dwarves stayed building a resemblance of a camp. Erleothir and Gustavius were almost finished while Mulchanor was still breathing loudly, not giving any hope of helping them. Griselda came back with an undisclosed broken and bloody animal. As they couldn’t use fire, for fear to be detected by their enemies, only the Telchos dared eating the raw meat. The rest of the group dined with roots Alast hunted down.
Griselda couldn't help to smile at him, the fierce root slayer.
When the sun was at its highest, they knew it was time to go, they would not allow their captors to get on them. Surely they won't stop so easily.
Erleothir managed to sense problem coming and searched for possible elements ahead. He found a strange cloud coming at them, against the wind. Griselda hawk eyes recognized men at arms. Silently they turn their horses toward a more southern position. They escaped and managed to spend a quiet night. Mulchanor was still not showing any sign of life.
Another day riding left them bored but aware, those incidents since they were saved by Dark Raven left marks on their bodies remembering them that the desert is treacherous and full of surprises. After those warning they weren't surprised to discover not one, but two clouds of smoke coming at them: one from the North, another from the South.
- Damn, what should we do now? We can't go back! Said Erleothir
- How many are they? Asked Gustavius
Promptly Griselda shouted, as if she wanted to wake Mulchanor up.
- Nine come from the North, black riders, I can't see weapons nor face... Fifteen from the South. Let's build a fake camp here and we'll try to go by the middle!
This time they didn't lose any arguing and cooperated as one body. Leaving a fire and some things behind they pushed the poor horses harder. After twenty minutes they all, in vain, searched for signals that their plan worked.
- It didn't work! We have to face them one group after the other if we want to survive. Let's take the nine riders first! Commanded Erleothir.
Choosing the lesser of the two bad, they charged at their enemy. Griselda received a bow and arrows from Gustavius and happily got it ready, she couldn’t wait to be in range to shot the arrows and get rid of those bandits. The quicker they'll get there more time they'll have to get to a defensive position against the bigger group. Mulchanor wasn't waking, five hundred meters till the clash. Let’s hope the aren't carrying long range weapons. Four hundred meters… Four against nine: what are the odds in their favour? Three hundred meters. A quick look back, the second group hadn't realized they were engaged in a collision course with the first one. There is no chance they are not together. The more time they'll lose, the more time we can get ready, if we manage to stay alive. Two hundred meters, soon we'll see if they have ranged weapons. One hundred meters, nothing, they have none. They want to be sure they can have us, those are no mere bandits.
- Stop the horse! I need to get down and find a good shooting position! shouted Gustavius
- All right! Said Alast, I'll get their attention, watch my back Master dwarf!
Riding again, lighter this time, Alast planned on using his pirate skills hoping for some bull eyes accurate gun shots in between.
Griselda broke on her left, taking two black riders following her and a still knocked out Mulchanor. Two to one was not bad. Erleothir aimed for the center, he would be the Spear Head. Three riders were expecting the clash. Alast was not so lucky however and was being targeted by four of them.
From afar Gustavius was already aiming to a rider, his first shot misfire and ended up dying on sand. Meanwhile the missed enemy, helped with three more foes, was surrounding Alast. Erleothir was already battling on two fronts, letting his horse smashing one enemy while his sword swung for a deadly blow which finished its short life on a diminished shield. Griselda soon gave up the idea of using the bow in fight. The first two arrows missed and she was now too close to make a relevant use of the weapon, she thus switched to her spear. However, hindered by the bow on her back, she failed to avoid an enemy blade which deeply slashed into her right arm. Getting overrun, she used her Telchos skills against her opponent and efficiently incapacitated him, for the moment. Her efforts were turned into nothing. She simply wasn’t as agile with her left arm and a dagger than with her right hand holding a spear. It started as bad as it would end for her.
Alast tried to fight back as much as he could, avoiding as many coups as possible, bleeding from all sides but fighting like a lion, a whirlwind on his horse. He missed some cuts but each hitting blow was a prelude to sudden death. Another shot was fired. Mulchanor's gun hit one more time, but not its target: it exploded right on Gustavius face, bruising him, almost broking his nose. The gun's cannon flew right over his surprised face.
- Arggggggggg! Not now! Cursed Gustavius, sweeping the powder left over his face. Grumbling and throwing Mulchanor's useless weapon, he grabbed his own gun, hoping for better luck.
Erleothir’s horse was hurting the enemy, but no sound was heard. In between hacks and slashes, one of the attackers fell dead, pouring blood over his running horse. Griselda's arm was showing her bones, as the last cut was deep and accurate. Luckily no major artery was cut. Enraged and mad about her lack of efficiency she used one deadly technique to save herself. But once more, the wind was the only one hurt. A grin could be seen under the enemies’ hoods for they knew she was getting tired. One short slash was avoided by her dexterity, but she couldn't avoid the deeper cut in her left leg which almost cut her knee off. Painfully she stood on her horse fighting for her life. As the opponent was still bent on her, trying to get his sword off the flesh, she slashed his neck with her dagger and jumped off her horse to finish him off, forgetting the fight was far from over.
Alast, was managing to deal with his four adversaries, using his horse as a cover, making the enemy wait for his turn before giving him the "coup de grace". But he fought more for his life than for money. Relentlessly he turned around offering both his back and weapons alternatively to his enemies. One, then a second fell motionless on the already hot sand.
-Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Griselda stung her last enemy down. Unconsciously she fought protecting Mulchanor body. Another shot was heard. Alast wouldn’t have to turn any more, only one was left. Erleothir finished his enemies off and then went to the rescue of the wounded Telchos. He gave her a Laumpsur potion that she sipped avidly. Soon, the last black rider turned into desert food, as Alast and Gustavius unceremoniously finished him.
No time to feel relieve though, they looked back and already could see new enemies, a fresh troop, coming at them. Fifteen more enemies. Riding fast. They would be there in less than fifteen minutes.
No time was left to waste.
- We need to flee now! Screamed Erleothir.
Alast was the fastest to get ready, helping Gustavius to get on his horse, Mulchanor still layed unconscious on Griselda’s horse, covered in blood from the riders and Griselda, badly hurt after her fight. The potion did help and restore some of her endurance, but she was still wounded and diminished by the merciless riders strikes. Riding away from the fresh troops arriving, the tired horses and wounded heroes couldn't match the riders fresh mounts and hardiness. They would now be on them at any minute. The first scouts were already on their flanks, pressing them into a thinner and easier to control group. If this end up in a fight, it would be a very short one. Four more riders were on their tail, almost able to catch them. The company’s mounts were quickly tiring. Two more bandits were closing, soon after, it was ten herding them. Eleven, the horses were slowing down, giving up after those hard days, fourteen riders, hope started to fade in their hearts, fifteen. Time was up. Surrounded, the light of steel blades reflects met their looks. When all seemed to be lost, two straight bolts marked the beginning of the last journey for two of the mysterious stalkers. This unexpected bolt of hope reanimated their will to survive. Whoever was in front of them, it was a better option than now.
The unknown pursuers closed onto them, trying to grab them, Mulchanor almost fell once more, but Griselda pressed her body against him and the horse, getting the dwarf far from the enemies grasp. She stroke one rider on her left, shattering her spear in his horse flank. More arrows fell. Horses and men fell together, several of them won't stand anymore. Alast slashed one enemy, leaving his horse with with a dead weight on till he felt, leaving the animal free in the wild. Five new riders came fast toward them, getting the black riders attention. Encouraged by those bold moves, Gustavius tried to strike one Rider on his left, but he forgot he was shorter than his grands Companions. He managed to stay on the horse grabbing a stone on the floor to imediately throw it to the rider at his right.
- CATCH! The dwarf said.
The rider left in sword rolling in the sand, grasping the stone efficiently. The incoming new friends were clad in green, the colour of hope. The combat was from there fast and almost simple. Those were not mere soldiers. Without any words they gave the deads’ horses to our heroes. Those green riders surely won the company gratitude today. No words were spoken till they all reached the cover of the mountains. Right under the now clear moon, around a fire underneath the cover of a distorted rock, four riders left their company. One stayed behind, saluting his leaving friends with a revered short bow.
Sitting nearby the fire, the all waited, questions burning their lips, but they got one before they were allowed to ask their own.
- So my friends, let me see your injuries, I think I can help.
At dawn the company rode away from the dogs, presenting an unusual sight for those who could have seen them: three horses taking five adventurers on their back. They formed a strange group led by a Telchos and closed by a dwarf riding like a man.
The sound of some insects awaking with the sun was abruptly stopped by a:
- WHOOOOOO.....
- Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
- Tsssssssssssss!
This last one was almost inaudible by the already far away companions.
Griselda sixth sense made her turn her horse around. “Gustavius, jump ! I’m going to get Mulchanor’s horse back”
Gustavius came down the horse with as much trouble he had to climb and found Mulchanor unconscious on the hard stone. He had lost his two front teeth, rewarding him with a new smile which he surely won't use when he sees his backpack lying on the desert’s ground, all its content broken, scattered and lost for future archaeologists to find. As if to make the situation worse, Gustavius found a smashed keg nearby. All the powder was lost. Not as easy to retrieve as the bullets the desert took from him. Gustavius breathed of relief when he found Mulchanor's gun miraculously intact. At least I have good news for him he thought. I'll keep it charged in case those dogs get on us. And extra shoot will be welcome.
Without time to look for neither the bullets nor the teeth, they went on riding again, fleeing possible enemies chasing them. Erleothir horse listened to his master and led them to a path it seemed to recognize. After some hours they decided they were in a safe enough place in the middle of nowhere, where the mountains could be seen closer, and they could take a nap. A night riding without stop had broken them, except Griselda who was in her element, not even presuming of her newly acquired temporary leadership. They all relied on her to find civilization again.
- Do we have food? Inquired a very talkative Griselda.
- Not so much I'm afraid... Said Erleothir.
- Is Mulchanor still in coma? Asked Gustavius
- Seems to be. Said Alast
- I'll go hunting said Griselda
- I'll go with you answered Alast.
Too happy to have a break both Knight and the dwarves stayed building a resemblance of a camp. Erleothir and Gustavius were almost finished while Mulchanor was still breathing loudly, not giving any hope of helping them. Griselda came back with an undisclosed broken and bloody animal. As they couldn’t use fire, for fear to be detected by their enemies, only the Telchos dared eating the raw meat. The rest of the group dined with roots Alast hunted down.
Griselda couldn't help to smile at him, the fierce root slayer.
When the sun was at its highest, they knew it was time to go, they would not allow their captors to get on them. Surely they won't stop so easily.
Erleothir managed to sense problem coming and searched for possible elements ahead. He found a strange cloud coming at them, against the wind. Griselda hawk eyes recognized men at arms. Silently they turn their horses toward a more southern position. They escaped and managed to spend a quiet night. Mulchanor was still not showing any sign of life.
Another day riding left them bored but aware, those incidents since they were saved by Dark Raven left marks on their bodies remembering them that the desert is treacherous and full of surprises. After those warning they weren't surprised to discover not one, but two clouds of smoke coming at them: one from the North, another from the South.
- Damn, what should we do now? We can't go back! Said Erleothir
- How many are they? Asked Gustavius
Promptly Griselda shouted, as if she wanted to wake Mulchanor up.
- Nine come from the North, black riders, I can't see weapons nor face... Fifteen from the South. Let's build a fake camp here and we'll try to go by the middle!
This time they didn't lose any arguing and cooperated as one body. Leaving a fire and some things behind they pushed the poor horses harder. After twenty minutes they all, in vain, searched for signals that their plan worked.
- It didn't work! We have to face them one group after the other if we want to survive. Let's take the nine riders first! Commanded Erleothir.
Choosing the lesser of the two bad, they charged at their enemy. Griselda received a bow and arrows from Gustavius and happily got it ready, she couldn’t wait to be in range to shot the arrows and get rid of those bandits. The quicker they'll get there more time they'll have to get to a defensive position against the bigger group. Mulchanor wasn't waking, five hundred meters till the clash. Let’s hope the aren't carrying long range weapons. Four hundred meters… Four against nine: what are the odds in their favour? Three hundred meters. A quick look back, the second group hadn't realized they were engaged in a collision course with the first one. There is no chance they are not together. The more time they'll lose, the more time we can get ready, if we manage to stay alive. Two hundred meters, soon we'll see if they have ranged weapons. One hundred meters, nothing, they have none. They want to be sure they can have us, those are no mere bandits.
- Stop the horse! I need to get down and find a good shooting position! shouted Gustavius
- All right! Said Alast, I'll get their attention, watch my back Master dwarf!
Riding again, lighter this time, Alast planned on using his pirate skills hoping for some bull eyes accurate gun shots in between.
Griselda broke on her left, taking two black riders following her and a still knocked out Mulchanor. Two to one was not bad. Erleothir aimed for the center, he would be the Spear Head. Three riders were expecting the clash. Alast was not so lucky however and was being targeted by four of them.
From afar Gustavius was already aiming to a rider, his first shot misfire and ended up dying on sand. Meanwhile the missed enemy, helped with three more foes, was surrounding Alast. Erleothir was already battling on two fronts, letting his horse smashing one enemy while his sword swung for a deadly blow which finished its short life on a diminished shield. Griselda soon gave up the idea of using the bow in fight. The first two arrows missed and she was now too close to make a relevant use of the weapon, she thus switched to her spear. However, hindered by the bow on her back, she failed to avoid an enemy blade which deeply slashed into her right arm. Getting overrun, she used her Telchos skills against her opponent and efficiently incapacitated him, for the moment. Her efforts were turned into nothing. She simply wasn’t as agile with her left arm and a dagger than with her right hand holding a spear. It started as bad as it would end for her.
Alast tried to fight back as much as he could, avoiding as many coups as possible, bleeding from all sides but fighting like a lion, a whirlwind on his horse. He missed some cuts but each hitting blow was a prelude to sudden death. Another shot was fired. Mulchanor's gun hit one more time, but not its target: it exploded right on Gustavius face, bruising him, almost broking his nose. The gun's cannon flew right over his surprised face.
- Arggggggggg! Not now! Cursed Gustavius, sweeping the powder left over his face. Grumbling and throwing Mulchanor's useless weapon, he grabbed his own gun, hoping for better luck.
Erleothir’s horse was hurting the enemy, but no sound was heard. In between hacks and slashes, one of the attackers fell dead, pouring blood over his running horse. Griselda's arm was showing her bones, as the last cut was deep and accurate. Luckily no major artery was cut. Enraged and mad about her lack of efficiency she used one deadly technique to save herself. But once more, the wind was the only one hurt. A grin could be seen under the enemies’ hoods for they knew she was getting tired. One short slash was avoided by her dexterity, but she couldn't avoid the deeper cut in her left leg which almost cut her knee off. Painfully she stood on her horse fighting for her life. As the opponent was still bent on her, trying to get his sword off the flesh, she slashed his neck with her dagger and jumped off her horse to finish him off, forgetting the fight was far from over.
Alast, was managing to deal with his four adversaries, using his horse as a cover, making the enemy wait for his turn before giving him the "coup de grace". But he fought more for his life than for money. Relentlessly he turned around offering both his back and weapons alternatively to his enemies. One, then a second fell motionless on the already hot sand.
-Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Griselda stung her last enemy down. Unconsciously she fought protecting Mulchanor body. Another shot was heard. Alast wouldn’t have to turn any more, only one was left. Erleothir finished his enemies off and then went to the rescue of the wounded Telchos. He gave her a Laumpsur potion that she sipped avidly. Soon, the last black rider turned into desert food, as Alast and Gustavius unceremoniously finished him.
No time to feel relieve though, they looked back and already could see new enemies, a fresh troop, coming at them. Fifteen more enemies. Riding fast. They would be there in less than fifteen minutes.
No time was left to waste.
- We need to flee now! Screamed Erleothir.
Alast was the fastest to get ready, helping Gustavius to get on his horse, Mulchanor still layed unconscious on Griselda’s horse, covered in blood from the riders and Griselda, badly hurt after her fight. The potion did help and restore some of her endurance, but she was still wounded and diminished by the merciless riders strikes. Riding away from the fresh troops arriving, the tired horses and wounded heroes couldn't match the riders fresh mounts and hardiness. They would now be on them at any minute. The first scouts were already on their flanks, pressing them into a thinner and easier to control group. If this end up in a fight, it would be a very short one. Four more riders were on their tail, almost able to catch them. The company’s mounts were quickly tiring. Two more bandits were closing, soon after, it was ten herding them. Eleven, the horses were slowing down, giving up after those hard days, fourteen riders, hope started to fade in their hearts, fifteen. Time was up. Surrounded, the light of steel blades reflects met their looks. When all seemed to be lost, two straight bolts marked the beginning of the last journey for two of the mysterious stalkers. This unexpected bolt of hope reanimated their will to survive. Whoever was in front of them, it was a better option than now.
The unknown pursuers closed onto them, trying to grab them, Mulchanor almost fell once more, but Griselda pressed her body against him and the horse, getting the dwarf far from the enemies grasp. She stroke one rider on her left, shattering her spear in his horse flank. More arrows fell. Horses and men fell together, several of them won't stand anymore. Alast slashed one enemy, leaving his horse with with a dead weight on till he felt, leaving the animal free in the wild. Five new riders came fast toward them, getting the black riders attention. Encouraged by those bold moves, Gustavius tried to strike one Rider on his left, but he forgot he was shorter than his grands Companions. He managed to stay on the horse grabbing a stone on the floor to imediately throw it to the rider at his right.
- CATCH! The dwarf said.
The rider left in sword rolling in the sand, grasping the stone efficiently. The incoming new friends were clad in green, the colour of hope. The combat was from there fast and almost simple. Those were not mere soldiers. Without any words they gave the deads’ horses to our heroes. Those green riders surely won the company gratitude today. No words were spoken till they all reached the cover of the mountains. Right under the now clear moon, around a fire underneath the cover of a distorted rock, four riders left their company. One stayed behind, saluting his leaving friends with a revered short bow.
Sitting nearby the fire, the all waited, questions burning their lips, but they got one before they were allowed to ask their own.
- So my friends, let me see your injuries, I think I can help.
Köln RPC : journey to the heart of RPG
Köln RPC : journey to the heart of RPG
It all started on a Friday... or was it Friday ? Anyway, a few days before our GM's birthday. We were all brainstorming to find THE present when a clue came unexpectedly in the form of a little voice " He would be soooo happy to go to the convention and meet Joe Dever !!! "
We looked at one another: hum indeed, good idea, why not ? And a smile came to our faces... But, he shouldn't go there alone, right ? And therefore it was decided that on April, 18th - 20th the GM would meet his co-God accompanied by Gustavius and Griselda (to the dismayof Erleothir who was to spend the week-end with his parents … ).
On the very day of the trip, as the day went by, the motivation grew steadily to reach a maximum at Feierabend. Köln, here we come !
The trip was uneventful : rowing when overtaking cars, taking the wrong turn while following GPS instruction, randomly coming across the " hotel Moutons ", taking another wrong turn, thanks again to the GPS and finally turning three times around the block – crossing the RPC parking lot at the occasion – before finally, at 22h00, checking in the hotel, yeah !
Tired, we still took time to map the road for the coming days (where are the most interesting stands ? What are the lectures we want to attend ? Which workshop would it be fun to take part in? ). After finishing our drinks, feeling ready, we decided to call it a night.
The following day, we met in the hotel lobby for breakfast – on the way, we met other guests whom we suspected to be attending the convention too... or why would they be wearing their armour otherwise ? Some of us might have felt a little out of place amongst all those "profis", especially wearing casual clothes.
On that bright, bright sunshiny day, we left on foot to the RPC enjoying every sign bringing us closer ( 500 m ! 300 m ! 150m ! Parking on the left ! 75m ! ). On the stairs to the main entrance, Storm troopers served as welcome committee. We proudly pulled out our tickets and smiled our best smile to the opening host and hostess. We were there.
Orks, wizzards, fairies, random magical characters, aliens, … the RPC call had been answered by all fans, no matter their universe and it was a surprizing sight.
The crowd was mixed: all ages, both sexes were represented in almost equal share. The plan established the day before was quickly dismissed as we entered the hall 1 mainly dedicated to computer games and an incredibly vast weapons, accessories and armors store.
In this crowd, the Square-Enix stand was rather disappointing... so small and without any news, not even any reviews of their previous hits. They only offered a short demo of FFXIV where the only "enemy" one could kill was a herd of sheep .. epic !
Of course, we couldn't resist the temptation to try some of the weapons and gears everytime we happened to walk by the store, obviously by chance, nothing intentional.
The morning was already gone and Griselda was craving for a cup of coffee. We thus moved to the cafeteria strategically placed between the two halls.
After a little break in the good company of previously encountered aliens and Alan Ripley, we took a deep breath and confidently entered the second hall. Only to stop five meters further, to dive in the boxes full of figurines to paint.
We indeed came with a shopping list containing : a GM figurine, a D100, maps and possible rule books. The first stand looked promising and we felt sure we would find everything we needed and even more.
However, there was a catch... " I need a real d100 " exclaimed the GM, but all what the stands had to offer were ersatz, that is to say, the combination of 2d10. But who said we can be that easily defeated? After hearing the same answer 5 times, we kept on asking untill... a polish stand ! The largest dice selling stand of the place, a gamer's paradise, there dices for all styles, all forms, all sizes... even cheatting dices ! and some strange tokens " what are those tokens for ? " " well, there are tokens ?! " " oh! "
It didn't deter the GM who asked
" Do you have a d100 ? " and the salesman replied in the most natural way " of course "
And here came the dreaded question " which color ? Blue, white, black or red ? "
" Blue ! Black ! " were heard at the same time, leaving Gustavius speechless and the salesman laughing. The GM took the last word and got it black.
It was now time to move to the end of the room and pay a visit to Joe, who undoubtebly had been waiting for us all day.
Once in front of him, we went shy and didn't really dare press forward. But the GM took his books out and lined up to get them signed. We immediatly followed and ordered tshirts for every one, and then also a map of the Magnamund, and also a poster, or maybe two, and the four little ones too. Oh Christian do you have that book ? It was only the three of us, but it was enough to send the assistant in a little panic "what size for the t-shirts ? I hope we have enough … "
We left him to check and followed Joe to the main poster for a photoshoot session with him. First individually, for our two cameras, then group pictures (in double of course ). Amazing Joe, still smiling through the coming cramps.
We left him return to his other fans, after a handshake and last few words of thanks and congratulation for his work. We stayed longer with two young guys helping out : the translator of Lone Wolf series in German and Moritz, a gamer.
Not forgetting any of the purchased items, we moved on to the yard.
The yard was kind of a let down: a training fighting area, several medieval / leather shops, a roasting piglet and the usual restoration stands. However, in that slightly uninteresting part, there was one very fascinating point : why is there a journalist interviewing an owl and its owner ? the question is still unanswered today …
We came back inside, saluting Joe from afar, and then finished the visit of the hall with a quick stop to the anime area ( quite empty ). New shopping session, further researches, more wandering, oh look ! star wars is talking to star trek !!
Though tempted, we decided not to take part in the on-going table games... too technical, not enough time and honestly, we were starting to be tired and needed to rest.
We made a brief halt at the hotel to drop our stuff and left again, heading west, toward the city.
To get a detailled touristic description of Köln please do not hesitate to ask somebody else or check their website.
We discovered Köln through necessity : where can we sit for an apéritif and where can we then go to dine ? Or do we really want to dine ? We crossed the famed "locks bridge" next to the philharmonic and facing the train station, behind the dom: you can't miss it.
We entered in the dom just long enough to decide not to visit it and then, we followed a street which lead us through the old city and then to the new one and back. Time was passing by and we were getting really thirsty. Necessity calling, we stop at an italian restaurant, planning on only drinking an aperitif there... but we ended up staying for diner as the menu was really inviting. We definitely made the right choice, it was excellent.
We almost stayed there for the night but, our energy levels being back to full, we felt the RPC call again. We weren't sure something was going on there, they might not been expecting us, but we still went, following our instinct.
The main hall was empty, there wasn't the smallest sound and we sent Gustavius to scout. When he came back, escorted, we thought it was over... but no, a party was indeed taking place in the yard. Very quiet and intimate, mainly for the RPC workers. To reach it, we walked through deserted halls and silently laughed at the security guards fighting with fake spears, bows and axes...
We sat at a table, enjoyed a few beers in the warm evening, listened to the live medieval performance while chatting.
The cold brought us back to the hotel for a last drink.
We set off late the next morning. No we didn’t oversleep, we simply took time to enjoy the hotel’s breakfast buffet (oh those mini portions!) and to look around – namely, stare at the other guests. There were also a few minutes used to adjust Gus’ clothing because yes, he dared enter the lobby with an old polo shirt instead of proudly wearing his Lone Wolf T-Shirt as convened. Immediately spotted by Griselda (yes indeed those t-shirt have the power to put the Gamer in their character) she instructed him to go back to his room and change before coming further. Ah the face of the other guests when then saw us three so properly dressed! We didn’t look amateur anymore.
Once in the Messe, after a quiet and short walk under a warming sun, we crossed the first hall which had lost some of its interest. The second hall was still the heart of the convention. Anxious to know if Joe Dever made it to the top and received a RPC Award for his amazing work, we came to his stand and we think there was a hint of fear in his eyes (there was for sure fear in his assistant’s eyes ^^). All smiles we congratulated him, chatted a little and set for a new picture session. Such nice pictures that they have been posted on his facebook page with the title “true fans” – yes, we ARE proud of that too.
We finished our little round, looked for further maps, accessories, figurines, books and what else, happily waved good-bye to Joe from across the stands and left generally satisfied by our visit.
Once at the hotel, checking out was quick and we soon found ourselves on the road back home. A trip long but animated by our conversations…
The convention will have a 2011 edition: who’s in?
It all started on a Friday... or was it Friday ? Anyway, a few days before our GM's birthday. We were all brainstorming to find THE present when a clue came unexpectedly in the form of a little voice " He would be soooo happy to go to the convention and meet Joe Dever !!! "
We looked at one another: hum indeed, good idea, why not ? And a smile came to our faces... But, he shouldn't go there alone, right ? And therefore it was decided that on April, 18th - 20th the GM would meet his co-God accompanied by Gustavius and Griselda (to the dismayof Erleothir who was to spend the week-end with his parents … ).
On the very day of the trip, as the day went by, the motivation grew steadily to reach a maximum at Feierabend. Köln, here we come !
The trip was uneventful : rowing when overtaking cars, taking the wrong turn while following GPS instruction, randomly coming across the " hotel Moutons ", taking another wrong turn, thanks again to the GPS and finally turning three times around the block – crossing the RPC parking lot at the occasion – before finally, at 22h00, checking in the hotel, yeah !
Tired, we still took time to map the road for the coming days (where are the most interesting stands ? What are the lectures we want to attend ? Which workshop would it be fun to take part in? ). After finishing our drinks, feeling ready, we decided to call it a night.
The following day, we met in the hotel lobby for breakfast – on the way, we met other guests whom we suspected to be attending the convention too... or why would they be wearing their armour otherwise ? Some of us might have felt a little out of place amongst all those "profis", especially wearing casual clothes.
On that bright, bright sunshiny day, we left on foot to the RPC enjoying every sign bringing us closer ( 500 m ! 300 m ! 150m ! Parking on the left ! 75m ! ). On the stairs to the main entrance, Storm troopers served as welcome committee. We proudly pulled out our tickets and smiled our best smile to the opening host and hostess. We were there.
Orks, wizzards, fairies, random magical characters, aliens, … the RPC call had been answered by all fans, no matter their universe and it was a surprizing sight.
The crowd was mixed: all ages, both sexes were represented in almost equal share. The plan established the day before was quickly dismissed as we entered the hall 1 mainly dedicated to computer games and an incredibly vast weapons, accessories and armors store.
In this crowd, the Square-Enix stand was rather disappointing... so small and without any news, not even any reviews of their previous hits. They only offered a short demo of FFXIV where the only "enemy" one could kill was a herd of sheep .. epic !
Of course, we couldn't resist the temptation to try some of the weapons and gears everytime we happened to walk by the store, obviously by chance, nothing intentional.
The morning was already gone and Griselda was craving for a cup of coffee. We thus moved to the cafeteria strategically placed between the two halls.
After a little break in the good company of previously encountered aliens and Alan Ripley, we took a deep breath and confidently entered the second hall. Only to stop five meters further, to dive in the boxes full of figurines to paint.
We indeed came with a shopping list containing : a GM figurine, a D100, maps and possible rule books. The first stand looked promising and we felt sure we would find everything we needed and even more.
However, there was a catch... " I need a real d100 " exclaimed the GM, but all what the stands had to offer were ersatz, that is to say, the combination of 2d10. But who said we can be that easily defeated? After hearing the same answer 5 times, we kept on asking untill... a polish stand ! The largest dice selling stand of the place, a gamer's paradise, there dices for all styles, all forms, all sizes... even cheatting dices ! and some strange tokens " what are those tokens for ? " " well, there are tokens ?! " " oh! "
It didn't deter the GM who asked
" Do you have a d100 ? " and the salesman replied in the most natural way " of course "
And here came the dreaded question " which color ? Blue, white, black or red ? "
" Blue ! Black ! " were heard at the same time, leaving Gustavius speechless and the salesman laughing. The GM took the last word and got it black.
It was now time to move to the end of the room and pay a visit to Joe, who undoubtebly had been waiting for us all day.
Once in front of him, we went shy and didn't really dare press forward. But the GM took his books out and lined up to get them signed. We immediatly followed and ordered tshirts for every one, and then also a map of the Magnamund, and also a poster, or maybe two, and the four little ones too. Oh Christian do you have that book ? It was only the three of us, but it was enough to send the assistant in a little panic "what size for the t-shirts ? I hope we have enough … "
We left him to check and followed Joe to the main poster for a photoshoot session with him. First individually, for our two cameras, then group pictures (in double of course ). Amazing Joe, still smiling through the coming cramps.
We left him return to his other fans, after a handshake and last few words of thanks and congratulation for his work. We stayed longer with two young guys helping out : the translator of Lone Wolf series in German and Moritz, a gamer.
Not forgetting any of the purchased items, we moved on to the yard.
The yard was kind of a let down: a training fighting area, several medieval / leather shops, a roasting piglet and the usual restoration stands. However, in that slightly uninteresting part, there was one very fascinating point : why is there a journalist interviewing an owl and its owner ? the question is still unanswered today …
We came back inside, saluting Joe from afar, and then finished the visit of the hall with a quick stop to the anime area ( quite empty ). New shopping session, further researches, more wandering, oh look ! star wars is talking to star trek !!
Though tempted, we decided not to take part in the on-going table games... too technical, not enough time and honestly, we were starting to be tired and needed to rest.
We made a brief halt at the hotel to drop our stuff and left again, heading west, toward the city.
To get a detailled touristic description of Köln please do not hesitate to ask somebody else or check their website.
We discovered Köln through necessity : where can we sit for an apéritif and where can we then go to dine ? Or do we really want to dine ? We crossed the famed "locks bridge" next to the philharmonic and facing the train station, behind the dom: you can't miss it.
We entered in the dom just long enough to decide not to visit it and then, we followed a street which lead us through the old city and then to the new one and back. Time was passing by and we were getting really thirsty. Necessity calling, we stop at an italian restaurant, planning on only drinking an aperitif there... but we ended up staying for diner as the menu was really inviting. We definitely made the right choice, it was excellent.
We almost stayed there for the night but, our energy levels being back to full, we felt the RPC call again. We weren't sure something was going on there, they might not been expecting us, but we still went, following our instinct.
The main hall was empty, there wasn't the smallest sound and we sent Gustavius to scout. When he came back, escorted, we thought it was over... but no, a party was indeed taking place in the yard. Very quiet and intimate, mainly for the RPC workers. To reach it, we walked through deserted halls and silently laughed at the security guards fighting with fake spears, bows and axes...
We sat at a table, enjoyed a few beers in the warm evening, listened to the live medieval performance while chatting.
The cold brought us back to the hotel for a last drink.
We set off late the next morning. No we didn’t oversleep, we simply took time to enjoy the hotel’s breakfast buffet (oh those mini portions!) and to look around – namely, stare at the other guests. There were also a few minutes used to adjust Gus’ clothing because yes, he dared enter the lobby with an old polo shirt instead of proudly wearing his Lone Wolf T-Shirt as convened. Immediately spotted by Griselda (yes indeed those t-shirt have the power to put the Gamer in their character) she instructed him to go back to his room and change before coming further. Ah the face of the other guests when then saw us three so properly dressed! We didn’t look amateur anymore.
Once in the Messe, after a quiet and short walk under a warming sun, we crossed the first hall which had lost some of its interest. The second hall was still the heart of the convention. Anxious to know if Joe Dever made it to the top and received a RPC Award for his amazing work, we came to his stand and we think there was a hint of fear in his eyes (there was for sure fear in his assistant’s eyes ^^). All smiles we congratulated him, chatted a little and set for a new picture session. Such nice pictures that they have been posted on his facebook page with the title “true fans” – yes, we ARE proud of that too.
We finished our little round, looked for further maps, accessories, figurines, books and what else, happily waved good-bye to Joe from across the stands and left generally satisfied by our visit.
Once at the hotel, checking out was quick and we soon found ourselves on the road back home. A trip long but animated by our conversations…
The convention will have a 2011 edition: who’s in?
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